Las Vegas: Bull riders to compete for $1 million at world championship

Professional Bull Riders World Finals

Professional Bull Riders

The world's best bull riders compete in Las Vegas later this month.

The world's best bull riders compete in Las Vegas later this month. (Professional Bull Riders)

Jay Jones

Plenty of rough-and-tumble action is promised as the world's top bull riders gather Oct. 23-27, hoping to stay atop the ornery beasts long enough to claim a share of more than $2 million in prize money.

The competition gets underway Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. with the first of five preliminary rounds. Thirty-five riders will each ride one bull per round, with the top five riders each winning $250,000 and the opportunity to advance to Sunday's championship. The rider who finishes in first place, with the most total points, will win a prize of $1 million, as well as a coveted belt buckle.

Two-time world champion Silvano Alves, a 25-year-old Brazilian, will be defending his title.

Tickets for each round range from $29 to $254. They're available online or by calling (702) 739-3267. Multiday passes are also for sale.